First off here are the, worst to best - Highlights:
-I tried frying bananas just for fun, and all of the fire alarms went off. We had to disable them to shut it off, but it's okay, we put them back haha.
-In the Philippines it is courtesy to take your shoes off outside of people's homes before entering. Before one of our lessons I left my shoes outside, but when I came back to them after the lesson they were filled with soapy water. Apparently some little boys were bathing outside and they had decided they would "Wash my shoes" HAHAH!! It was so funny!! I had soaking feet all day!
The Spiritual highlight: One lady we are teaching loves to have us over and she loves to listen to us. We ask her to attend church and pray, she agrees to do so, but she never follows through. She said that "The Lord would excuse her for not attending church or praying because she was trying." The problem was that she was not trying. My tagalog is still terrible, but at this moment I began speaking to her in nearly perfect Tagalog. I asked her if she truly understands the suffering that Jesus Christ endured for us through His Atonement. I told her in unbroken Tagalog that I know that Jesus Christ was always obedient to the commandments of our Father in Heaven. I testified that Jesus Christ would never allow excuses and problems to get in the way of obeying the Father. That Jesus Christ payed the ultimate price, and the least we can do his obey the Father's commandments. I told her that we truly care for her; otherwise, we would not visit her and teach her about the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I also told her to follow the example of Jesus Christ, and obey the commandments of the Father by praying and attending church. In bold but loving words I told her she wasn't trying hard enough. I asked her to give a better effort, and she said she would do so. We concluded the lesson and the Spirit was stronger than we had ever felt in our lessons with her. After walking home my companion turned toward me and told me, "I don't know if you realize it, but you just experienced the gift of tongues. You just spoke with her in perfect Tagalog."
-I know I still have a long way to go until I can speak Tagalog fluently, but I know that the Lord is helping me. I know that through him I can do anything. He helped me share my thoughts with that lady and those were the words she needed to hear. I am so grateful for the Lord. I know that as we "Look unto [Him], doubt not, fear not." He will lift us up and magnify our efforts.
Challenge: Seek the Lord's help this week through prayer. Have Faith, and he will support you.
Elder Hemmert
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